Page 136 of The Gods Veiling
Kyzen motions for us to start walking without another comment or any explanation. I don’t push, though.
I hadn’t decided if I was going to share this information. I planned on seeing if Seismet embraced me again before I mentioned my trip here. If he didn’t, I was going to keep it to myself.
Now I can’t help but wonder why these revered creatures have taken a liking to my entire Valtrue, apparently.
Havar steps closer to Yemi, shielding her practically as we make our way through the parted circle. My eyes continue to widen when I take in the true cause of the commotion.
Seismet’s standing above Ike and his deadly two-toed hooves are pressed firmly into his chest. There’re small speckles of blood beginning to pool through his shirt.
His ragged breathing is barely heard over the powerful huffs that are falling from Seismet’s nostrils.
“Kyzen, Riven, thank you for coming as soon as you could,” a man, I suppose the lead Meadow Hand, says as he comes up and offers them his hand.
The sound surrounding us fades from my ears. I feel like I’m moving in slow motion as I take a step toward Seismet.
“Thayla.” Kyzen’s warning barely registers.
A massive, and I do mean absolutely ginormous, Veilatara comes to stand between Seismet and I before I can reach him. I hadn’t even realized it was multiple steps I had taken, not one.
The stomp of his foot sends a vibration through the ground and into me. Every part of me trembles from the power behind it. My body shakes like a leaf as I force myself into a low bow.
Yemi’s gasp behind me isn’t one of surprise but fear. I hold myself as still as possible as the Veilatara leers above me rather than meeting my bow the way Seismet did.
“Easy, Verlet. This is the one I told you about.”Seismet’s voice penetrates my mind and the fear coursing through me. I don’t release my breath, though.
Hot air blows across my hair and face. My body tries to stiffen, but I forcefully make my muscles stay relaxed.
Shit. What do I do if this Veilatara doesn’t like me?
Who am I kidding? I’ll be dead, so it won’t matter.
“You were correct. She’s very loud.”
Well, that’s a little ru—
My thoughts cease to exist when a muzzle touches my forehead. A shaky, breathy laugh that’s mixed with a sigh of relief escapes me. The Veilatara’s gentlepurr sends shock waves radiating through me. I’ve never felt so alive before in my life.
It’s probably a mixture of adrenaline, fear, and admiration.
“My name is Verlet. It is very nice to meet you, Thayla Godrun. Pardon my hostile introduction. I imagine you can sense the turmoil in the air.”
“Uh, it’s no problem. You got a lot on your…hooves at the moment.”I can’t help the stutter in my quiet voice. I don’t even want to look around me right now. There’s no doubt that every eye, god or Veilatara, is on me right now.
“Now she whispers,”Verlet says. Obviously to Seismet.
“It’s because you called her loud. Also, she’s nervous and doesn’t like the attention.”
“Well, attention is something she’ll have to grow used to. The Valories and gods are always watching what interest them.”
“So are nosy Veilatara, obviously.”
My eyes widen the moment the words travel through my mind. Even if I didn’t mean to speak it to them, their rumbling, ancient laughter fills my head.
“We most certainly pay attention to beings like us. Speaking of, I need to excuse myself. Your Valtrue member is growing restless and impatient for my attention. Protective and possessive as usual. Plus, we have much to discuss.”
“Kyzen, really?”I peer over my shoulder, only to find Kyzen glancing at me while simultaneously paying attention to whatever the Meadow Hand is spitting off so fast.
“Not Kyzen. He’s never demanding, only appreciative. Creed’s very respectful and quiet. Amick’s a wealth of conversation. Riven’s protective and possessive. He’s always wary when we converse with beings he doesn’t know. Please excuse me. You may speak with Seismet. I’m looking forward to hearing more about you.”
